University School of Nova South

My daughter interviewed at University School to go into Kindergarten and was not accepted because she was uncooperative and didn't want to transition from one task to another. They also mentioned she didn't want to play with other kids. After spending two years at the Mailman-Segal Institute of NSU, we were told by her teacher that all the kids in her pre-K classroom we so ready for kindergarten. Something didn't seem right, so we asked if she could visit a pre-K classroom to see if she would fit better in pre-K rather than K. To our surprise they came back and told us our daughter wasn't fit for pre-K either. This time they told us she couldn't even spell her own name. Not only she can spell her name, she can spell the names of her 19 other classmates. She can also count to 30 and knows the alphabet in English and Spanish. I am also a faculty and Chair of a major program at Nova Southeastern University. I feel so betrayed by the so called Nova family, as they told us during the open house. In conclusion, we wasted two years at MSI because now our daughter can't even repeat pre-K at another NSU institute. Beware of these tactics. That's how they get their accreditation.
—Submitted by a parent

My boy was at Uschool from preK to second grade. He was labeled as a "behavior problem" for displaying normal boy behaviors. We changed his school after second grade and he is excelling at his new school. If your son doesn't sit still at his desk or if he plays with his pencil, then this might not be a good fit for him. Girls tend to fit better here, since they teach in a method geared more toward the girls (emphasis on verbal and writing skills). Uschool claimed to teach the "individual", but it seems like if your child doesn't fit into their mold, then he is a problem for them. The school will make it a problem for you. They also like to recommend therapy or tutoring for almost all the kids (for an additional cost, of course). For such an expensive school, you would think they would provide the resource that each kids need. Just be careful. What they advertise is not what you get. The preK teachers are amazing, but it goes downhill from there.
—Submitted by a parent

They denied my daughter for PRE-K because she is shy. They said she has low social skills and her language skills weren't age appropriate. (they based these results after 30 mins of sitting with her in a new environment with people she doesn't know. She's shy and it takes her time to warm up. We always teach our children not to talk to strangers but they are expected to be chatter boxes during evaluation?) Although i know their evaluation was inaccurate i took her to a speech therapist to make sure shes at level and she tested average for her age.U-School says they accept children from average to gifted! I provided them with the results and they still didn't accept her. They didn't even give me a reason. They told me to try again when shes in the first grade because that's when their intervention program starts....I was thinking intervention program for what? How can you speak to a parent like this especially when your child is performing age appropriate. And please remember this is for PRE-K! In my opinion it looks like they need to go to the intervention program!
—Submitted by a parent

Well, we have had our child in University School since Pre-K. I have to unfortunately confirm that the school seems to foster the clique-ish attitude many are describing. There are quite a few families who know each other through various temples, as well as several of the administrators. The same clique seems to be kept together from class to class, after school activity to activity. The kids from the "top clique" seem to always be picked for the various awards and recognition, whether they are deserving or not, and whether some other kid is equally or even more deserving. We feel that the teachers have their hands tied and cannot truly teach the child. While the level of teaching is quite high, it is very standard across the board. Bright students are not really challenged, even if they have clearly shown they are ready for a more intensive curriculum. Furthermore, because of the clique situation described above, some students that should be in different classes because they need more help are instead kept with their friends, bringing the overall level of the class down. All because of politics. While it is a wonderful school on paper, in practice it seems to be lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has consistently performed in the highest academic classes since Kindergarten and is currently finishing their 3rd year. My child is extremely gifted and talented. I cannot say enough great things about this school. In fact, even through it is a struggle yearly to pay the tuition with our small income and high household expenses; we continue to do so because it is that important to us. I cannot fathom the thought of being financially responsible and putting my gifted child into the public school system. Love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended University School from K to 4th grade ... each year since 2nd grade - beggging me to switch schools. I agree with the last comment made - about the cliques which include students, parents, and upper school staff. She has been an A - B student each year - in the "high classes". She is just unhappy not to be included with other students due to the parents tend to have their kids socialize with their own friends' kids. The teachers appear to be under pressure to get so much done - and often neglect the student who needs a little more help - or just something explained to them. The Director prejudges parents and students - absolutely giving special treatment to families who can donate above and beyond the expensive school tuition. Our family has had only a few happy, memorable experiences. Sorry U School !
—Submitted by a parent

The University School lacks professionalism. Faculty members with children at the school, stoop so low as to give unfair treatment to those who are not friends of their children. Administration discusses parents with other parents. Affluent students are favored over others despite their lack of effort and their inferior conduct (knowing they can get away with things other students cannot). Qualified teachers are fired for what appears to be nothing more than pesty parents urging. After becoming particularly disgusted over a middle school administrator's constant mood swings, we finally called it quits. The lower school is over-rated, and the upper school's college counselor seems a little lackluster in her role. The University School promises a lot more than it ever intends on providing. They'll tell you everything you want to hear until you enroll. Then, you'll never see these people or promises again....unless, of course, you want to donate a building.

Fantastic, safe and intellectually stimulating for students who are ahead of their peers. But be prepared if you interview your kindergarten child......you are looking at over $100K of USchool tuition fees. This is a major investment and shouldn't drain the average parent. There are many fine public schools out there so don't go into debt here. This school happens to be a perfect fit for my son and he is a perfect fit for it. The headmaster is fantastic and I cannot say enough about him and his great leadership and his vision in expanding the school to it's fantastic campus that it is now. Many parents are very involved but that's what happens when you are so financially and emotionally invested in your childs education. Check out all the Universities the graduates get accepted to every year.
—Submitted by a parent

My children were never as happy in school as when they went to U school. The academic level is one of the best in the area. I am very thankful to U School for opening the doors to my family and allowing my children to study in a healthy environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children and began at University School with my first child nearly 17 years ago. A long time U-School family, I have watched the cost of attending the school go from $3600 to upwards of $19,000. Expensive by any means. Children are safer than at most public schools. The english, science, and arts department have outstanding teachers. The Middle School is excellent - and has an outstanding Admin/staff. The Upper School struggles with turnover. Sports are going through growing pains as the $40m plus expansion of buildings, fields, and programs continues to slowly advance. My first child is now at an Ivy and says that they have been well prepared. I wish that I could afford to stay at this school. We are looking for other schools for next year, simply because the cost is ridiculously high, especially in these tough economic times.
—Submitted by a parent

What an amazing school. My two children have been attending for about 3 years and they love it. The parents are very involved and the school is committed to giving students a great education. I'm so happy I made the choice to send my kids to private school and more importantly University School!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my second year at University School and I have found ti to be satisfactory. So far I have recieved a good education but making friends is extremely difficult. There are many cliques and it is impossible to get into them unless one is affluent. The friends I have are the people who came to University School from my old school. The school also stresses extracurricular activities more than academics.
—Submitted by a student

I absolutely love University School. We have such an amazing campus now. I love the fact that they now have an Art Institute and a great athletics program. But, even though we have a beautiful, new campus, the environment still feels like how it has always been... very comfortable and inviting. The teachers always make me feel special and work hard to make sure I am successful. Thank you!
—Submitted by a student

My son is in elementary school and he comes back home enthusiastic every day. Great teachers, great programs ... amazing new campus
—Submitted by a parent

I have been going to the University School for 12 years. I absolutely love the school! Academics are the best of the best, sports are very high ranked and the arts are one of the top priorities.
—Submitted by a student

I absoluetly love the school. this is my first year their and i feel like i have been there for my whole life. i have excellent friends and teachers.
—Submitted by a student

I'm pleased that the school is so academic, but they are completely disorganized and seemingly brutal to their teachers. To be specific, the beginning of the year brought terrible delays in receiving necessary books. Sharing of books was needed but most of the other students didn't want to share. A particular teacher insisted that the share in the class so everyone could practice on the material, but the kids were to shy or simply don't want to share. My guess is that they are very competitive. One new teacher was removed from the school for mysterious and sudden reasons that no one would talk about. While not shy about the expense, overall the school seems a bit too political and 'hard' on the psychy of the kids and the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended throughout elementary from K. Teachers are attentive, kind and academically qualified with most with Master degrees. School not merciful on families running into financial hardship. No merit/academic achievement scholarship and almost non-existence financial assistance. Awarded $250 avg per family with $500 max historically given. Caters only to the upper echelon financial secured families creating an environment with no economic diversity. Not surprisingly, school known for pretentious and cliques students and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school! My son transferred from another (Catholic) school in the area. He has made good friends, impoved his grades with the smaller student to teacher ratio. Very nice staff and the football team is doing well!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at University School for 4 years now. I'm glad this school doesn't cater so much to sports as it does to academics. This school offers him a safe environment. They will not tolerate children that will bully others and will deal with that fast. A great school with very involved parents and teachers that have minimum of a masters degree in their field of study.
—Submitted by S B, a parent